British Archaeological Awards

15 July 2014

A project to monitor important archaeological remains around Scotland’s coastline last night (14th July) won two awards at the prestigious British Archaeological Awards, which took place at the British Museum in London.

Named the Best Community Engagement Archaeology Project, Scotland’s Coastal Heritage at Risk Project (SCHARP) was developed by Scottish Coastal Archaeology and the Problem of Erosion (SCAPE) and part-funded by Historic Scotland.

SCAPE developed the project because their previous work had identified a number of monuments which are at risk as Scotland’s coastline changes.

They developed a purpose-built app to enlist people who visit, live or work on the coast to contribute their own observations about the coastline. The app was named the Best Archaeological Innovation at the awards ceremony.

The three-year project will run until 2015 and is funded and supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, Historic Scotland, the Crown Estate and the University of St Andrews.

Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs said: “I am delighted that this valuable project has been recognised with this prestigious award. Innovative and practical, SCHARP’s app has engaged the public, allowing them to interact with and contribute to the important work of Scotland’s archaeological community.”

Tom Dawson, of SCAPE said: “This project’s philosophy is that eroding coastal heritage provides opportunities for anyone to enjoy and benefit from taking part in archaeological and historical exploration and discovery. I am honoured that the work of our team, and of the many thousands of people who engaged with us through the app, has been recognised through this award.”

Notes for editors:

Historic Scotland is an executive agency of the Scottish Government charged with safeguarding the nation’s historic environment. The agency is fully accountable to Scottish Ministers and through them to the Scottish Parliament.

Scotland welcomes the world in the Year of Homecoming 2014 providing a year-long programme of events alongside the Ryder Cup and Commonwealth Games. The Year of Homecoming Scotland will run until 31 December 2014 throughout the length and breadth of the country. Visitors from around the world are invited to join in a celebration of the nation’s food and drink, active pursuits, cultural heritage, nature and ancestral heritage. Homecoming Scotland 2014 is a Scottish Government initiative being led by EventScotland and VisitScotland, supported by numerous partners. To find out more visit www.homecomingscotland.com. For more on Historic Scotland’s Homecoming activities visit www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/homecoming or tweet us using #hshomecoming.